Zhang Zhehan

Zhang Zhehan is a prominent Chinese actor and singer affiliated with Beijing Ranyi Music Culture Media. He pursued his education at the Shanghai Theatre Academy and launched his acting career in 2010 with the romantic television series, *Why Love You*. His breakthrough came in 2015 with a significant role in the historical drama *Legend of Ban Shu*. Over the years, he has garnered acclaim for his performances in popular Chinese series such as *Legend of Yunxi*, *The Blooms at Ruyi Pavilion*, and *Everyone Wants to Meet You*. His portrayal of Zhou Zi Shu in the widely celebrated Wuxia drama *Word of Honor* further propelled him into the international spotlight.

Zhang’s career saw a notable rise in recognition when he was awarded the Weibo Award for Rising Artist of the Year in 2020. The following year, he won the Weibo Movie Night Awards for Most Watched/Followed Actor of the Year, highlighting his growing popularity.

However, in 2021, Zhang encountered severe backlash following the emergence of old photographs showing him at historical sites in Japan, such as the Yasukuni Shrine and Nogi Shrine, which are tied to Japan's militaristic past. This sparked accusations of insensitivity, leading to the termination of his brand partnerships and the removal of his works from various Chinese platforms. Despite issuing an apology expressing his unawareness of the historical context, the incident had a profound impact on his career in mainland China.